STAR-NEWS PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD

Anonymous,
It the Most Valuable Player not the best player on the team that went the furthest. The most valuable player in the area is Peterson - hands down - there is no one else that is close - still upset he didn't go to SF - we desparately needed an running back this year to go with the best QB in the area and the best freshman wide receiver.

Two years ago James Eland won the All Area MVP and did not have the best stats in the area. He was the leader on and off of the field for THE BEST TEAM. Think of that before you argue for or against someone.

That was cute.

Lavelle wins the M.V.P. award hands down.

He was amazing playing for clowns.

His clowns will take credit for all Lavelle's might.

They would wet their pants if their ever was a fight.

The blocking was taught by a tard as well.

The holes to run through were next to nil.

It's the holiday season and one thing is for sure

Wheeler will be around to show his greatness next year for sure.

Wheeler will have 8 maybe 10

seniors who will come play for him till the end.

The school personal are not here to please and look their is Randy the A.D. sneaking more free nacho and cheese.

The L.C. kids played with a lot of heart while the coaches wore clothes from our favorite K Mart.

It's time to go the peom is over hey look their goes Wheeler still walking like Rover.

As much as I love Maranatha ans La Salle, Lavelle Peterson is the MVP.

crazycube,
It is not unwritten - it is a Man Law - "No lineman wins the MVP award." It was put in to avoid posts like yours. For the record no offensive lineman has ever nor will ever win an MVP waard. Jimnez is excellent - but I must say - since I haven't said it - I would certainly take our own Roxas or maybe even Brian Soumakianover at TC over Jimenez on the O line. That being said I hope Jimenez has a lot of pancake blocks on Friday.

goldenknight, stats and numbers do not impress me. What impresses me as valuable, is the abilty of a player to make a difference and help his team succeed, therefore add value. Going out in the first round on a cloud of dust is of no value. Carrying the team on your back and helping them succeed is! You may call it what ever you want, crazy, etc. Why is there no reason to give an MVP award to a lineman, if he is the MVP of his team and his team is in the Finals? Is there some unwritten law about linemen not being able to receive such an award? If I am Crazy you are Shortsighted.

Apparently the Crazy and the Cube are not so easily separated goldenknight. But don't take it as an excuse to root against LS, that type of reaction makes you just as crazy!

Furthermore, the opinion stated by Crazycube is valid even though it is a minority view on this blog and in the SGV. I believe what Crazycube is saying is that LS started 0-5 with #70 at TE and with a different game plan in place, and they probably would have been 2-8 if they hadn't changed their personnel and game plans. When they moved him to tackle and decided to run of his rear end 25 times a game they started averaging about 60 yards more on the ground a game and 2 more TDs a game. Now, young Jimenez didn't carry the ball for those yards or TDs, but he definitely was THE guy at the point of attack. It's a hell of a coincidence. What's also a hell of a coincidence is that since that move to OT and change in strategy (don't worry BigM, I'm not going to say it was a sacrifice!), they are 8-1. Also, he's only second in sacks (10) in his league to Justin Edison (12), who has offers from Fresno St. and Oregon St. So, according to Mr. Cube, Jimenez has had the same effect on La Salle, albeit not so much in the stat book, as Lavelle has had on LC. Instead of skidding, as LC did, he claims that it was Jimenez who turned it around for LS and has catapaulted them into the finals. Having watched LS play this year, it's a pretty valid argument.

Now, I'm not saying Jimenez deserves it over Petersen, or vice-versa. Personally, I hate these damn awards for they are the antithesis of football. I know #70, if you ask him (and I have)-he'll tell you that Lavelle should be Area MVP. I'm just saying, Crazycube has a point. For if you are the type of football fan that looks beyond the stat books and knows what makes a team successful then you can make somewhat of a case for Jimenez, as the Crazy Cuban has done.

crazycube,
Give it up. No one is giving the MVP to a lineman. The MVP goes to the MVP to his team - La Canada wouldnt't have won a game without Lavelle. The same can't be said of Jimenez - by the way an excellent player. Lavelle had 3,411 all purpose yards this year alone, 2,442 yards rushing, 30 TDs and 50 TDs in two years, 3,900 yards rushing in two years - averaging 9+ yards a carry over 2 years with the smallest line in the league - it is clear who the SOLE MVP is. Unless Coach Mooney cast his spell yet again over the decision makers as he has so artfully done in the past (like last year - sorry Fred)- again no knock against Coach Mooney - as I have said before I wish we had him - and he is a Trojan - FIGHT ON. All that being said I wish Lavelle had played for SF and if not SF then La Salle - how many more yards would he have had running behind the LS line (and he would have gotten a fine education.) It is actually rare that the MVP of the year goes to the best player who is on the best team. It is an individual award not a team award. I would love for La Salle to win this weekend but delusional posts like yours on this MVP issue is one reason to root against La Salle. Which is not to say that I don't agree with crazycube most of the time - but crazycube's handle for his MVP post should have just been - "crazy". Crazycube quit being crazy.

Minuteman,
I agree with you re: Coach Mooney - but that doesn't absolve or excuse the TC fans? players? student? for their offensive posts. Kids do read this blog.

Mike Mooney is a terrific coach and administrator and a man of his word - I applaud his remarks and his leadership.

Coach Mooney,
You may have missed the most vulgar and pornographic posts by whoever went by the handle TC prince, anonymous (wrote in the same "style" as TC prince) and TC prince 2000 yards and counting, as Fred J. did a good job of removing them quickly when they got way way out of hand.

kyle dleahook

Oh by the way I forgot to mention the force #70 is on Defense 10 sacks, nobody runs straight at him, must be double teamed, holds contain, which keeps QB's that are mobile from running all over the back field if not ask Potts, Wilson, etc.. He aslo hits like a Mack Truck!!!

I pose the question again about who is the Most Valuable Player in the Division? Is it some one seating at home on his couch eating Cheetos and playing M-Box or is it someone who is leading his team into the Champioship game?
Those of you who saw the La Salle-Bihop Diego match up, saw Baier and Bury gain over 300 yards. Who was the worhorse that wagon is hitched to??? You guessed it #70 Alex Jimenez. His blocking was the key in dismantling the Cardinals. Albeit not La Salle's best performance, good enough to win. It should have been 50 instead of 24!!! There is no shadow of a doubt that the La Salle O line (Mendoza, Quigley, Preston, Hilland and Jimenez) is dominating and hard hitting. The guy who leads the charge is #70 Jimenez, both Nathan Bury and David Baeir run right off his back and when the LB's see him pulling they just try to hold on for dear life. There were a couple of Cardinals they were still trying to dig out of the Astroturf in Lancer field from last night, I hope they dug 'em out before the bull pulled off for the sad ride back to Santa Barbara!
The Lancers are still playing, right now, in December, first time ever for the La Salle Lancers, practicing and getting ready for the final showdown next week, not sitting at home! So who is the Most Valuable Player? Forget about rushing yards and all the stats, it's the player who is leading his team to the Playoff Finals. It's too bad they do not keep tallies on PANCAKE blocks, 'cause Lancer Field last night served so many that it looked like the International House of Pancakes. For all you La Salle haters, want a little compote with your cheese blintzes???
That is my not so humble opinion!!!

If Mike Mooney saids so it's good enough for me.

Contratulations to both local teams for moving on.

W.A.R.

Thanks Fred,
Like I said, if you can provide me different information I will deal with it swiftly and immediately and issue an apology to everyone for the classless behavior of one of my kids.

MM

Mike
I, apologize for not catching those comments earlier about Dwight Broadnax. We have had problems with bloggers posting as athletes recently, and didn't see the ones on this thread.

I have silently enjoyed the entertainment value of this blog all year but I have to jump in and defend my player. For the most part, the blog has served the menas for which it was created and did/does provide a healthy outlet for local football fans.
- As I was leary of the potential for this very situation (when Fred told me of the launching of this new forum I shared several control concerns), I cautioned the young men who play for me to be judicious in their choices to read/respond all year and I believe for the most part they have.
- I had Dwight in my office this morning to discuss/show him these recent posts and to determine if in fact he was involved. He indicated to me that he has not been involved at all. Until I recieve information to the contrary I will support Dwight.
- I would like all bloggers, especially the young men who play football locally to enjoy this technology and do not use it to personally attack one another. Fierce competition on the playing field is expected and commendable but these recent postings are the farthest thing from the respect and honor that your coaches have been trying to instill in. Have pride in who you are and what you represent. Leave the trash talk for others. Don't give them the satisfaction of a response.

Mike Mooney
Head Football Coach
Dean Of Activities
Temple City High School

Here's a thought for JustaThought-the thinly disguised post's of Mr. Broadnax (TCPrince, 2000yds and counting) were ignorant, offensive, arrogant, and clessless. If you want to defend that, go ahead.

JustAthought,
Nobody with the lack of decorum and spelling and gramar skills of the TC Princess (AKA Anonymous and TC2000andcounting) is going anywhere but JC - why would any D-1 school want someone like that to represent their school. History is full of above average athletes (playground stars) who because they know it all go nowhere. Personally I don't root for and you shouldn't either anybody like that. I try not to encourage that sort of ignorant behavior - we have enough bad athletic role models.

I hope all these studs come together and lead the West to a victory this summer in the Hall of Fame game.

i think it's ridiculous how La Salle players/fans keep talking about how Broadnax is going to be playing on the JC level. I am in no way hating on LS, but there is no individual with as much talent as Broadnax on the LS team. Yes, I agree that football is an team sport. But when you constantly try and put down a local HIGH SCHOOL player that has the potential to go to a D1 college, I think that's sad and ridiculous.

My suggestion is just be a fan of High School football in general. What's the point of putting down others, especially a 17-year-old? You should support him and when you see him play on the next level, you'll be able to say "That kid was awesome in High School. I watched/followed his games."

Just a thought

Your fumble was on KCAL9 last week. I saw Lacey score a TD on it.

Forgot to mention that Peterson does EVERYTHING. Punt, Kick, D-end, D-back. When he rushes the punter, he also halls ass back to try to block for the return guy. Plus he is a sick kick returner, when teams kick to him. (Yeah, I just reviewed some game film).

Golden Knight is right on. I knew that St Francis School made kids work hard for grades. How right on you are with your comments.

It's kind of refreshing to read something so right.

Lavelle "The Thrill" Peterson is not only player of the year he should be considered for most gracious person of the year. Of course I love the kid so I maybe showing a little favortitism.

I also love football and what it can do for our youth if done right.

W.A.R.

Lavelle Peterson is the MVP - more yards by 15% while playing in one less game, 50% more yards per carry, 15% more touchdowns in one less game and substantially more all purpose yards. He is bigger, stronger and faster than any of the other backs and has no where near the team the other backs had. On top of all the that the kid is notheing but class - keeps his mouth shut, doesn't talk trash, has good grades and a good SAT score. While his accomplishments on the field are amazing and second to none - what is most amazing is the high quality and humble person his is - he is the MVP on the field and the MVP off the field and a roll model for all the kids coming up. I am glad such a high quality role model will be the sole MVP of the all area team - It is about time.

If you don't need pads to play football, then howcome you sat out 2 straight weeks with an "ankle sprain". Don't talk about how tough you are, when you sit out two weeks, even though you were fine when your team played La Salle. Bottom line, you are watching LS play on Friday night, and LS will be playing for the Championship. LS 21 TC 14! thats what was on the SC-BO!!!!

TC Princess...aka D. "Gotwaxed"...aka...5th grade reading level...aka...Lavelle's still better. Shouldn't you be serving up some wet fries right now on the corner of Rosemead and Broadway? By the way, has PCC flown you out to check out their facilities yet? I bet you get an offer from there, hope you make grades. What do you think is higher...your career TD total or your SAT score? Too bad you couldn't suit up against La Salle so they couldn't find out how soft you were, probably would of just coughed up the ball anyways and killed your team's chances...not that they ever had any. Not with such a prolific football mind such as yourself in the backfield. Here's a tip...brush up on your ABCs and hopefully you won't be waving a humongous arrow in front of a furniture store on the corner of Colorado and Rosemead this summer.

Hey Prince where is your team playing on Friday? Are you eating at the Boat Friday night? Because I know that the real TEAM is still playing on Friday NIGHT at La Salle, if you didn't guess that team would be La Salle.

P.S. If you were a real team player you would not have to go on this blog to brag about yourself.

dwight broadnax is the best back in the RHL his number are great and he still missed to games he is a playmaker and a team player

Big M and Fred

A wager is wager. Email me at jheurkins@aol.com and we can set the time for Ruths Chris. My vote of course is Lavelle Peterson.

I NOMINATE COACH MIKE MOONEY
COACH OF THE YEAR, BACK TO
BACK TO BACK RIO HONDO
CHAMPS. GREAT COACH.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR CENTER JUNIOR NICK FRY, TEMPLE CITY
HIGH.

ART FRY SR.

For how much he's done for the team I think Lance Mitchell should be in the running as well. He put TEAM before ME when he made the switch from WR, legit D-1 guy to QB. He was also very good on defense playing anything and everything from CB, Safety, LB and even rushed off the edge.

BigM I will make it a point to count the number of plays to Jimenez and how many away. We can talk about it when I come back from Mejico Lindo.

I need to agree with part of what "Falconer" mentions about Darryl Carter. I think if you took a team poll Carter would easily be voted team MVP. Other players who played on just one side of the ball had statistically better seasons. My feeling is Luke Collis is the offensive MVP and Ray Arriola the Defensive MVP for the year, but for overall performance Carter would get team MVP. I don't know if Carter has the overall stats to be considered above Peterson, but he does consider some consideration for the award. Good call "Falconer".

Mark Tyler plays behind a NCAA D1 line all D1 scholarships against HS comp., with the best high school quarterback in the nation - perhaps in the past 5 years plus. Let's see what Lavelle would do with that line and QB and let's see how Tyler would do against 8+ in the box, without a fullback, getting hit in the backfield on almost everyplay and many times by more than one player. My guess sort of what Lavelle did but no better and Lavelle would have done as well as Tyler - both are great backs. Lanelle did gain 2,500 yards rushing and 3,500 all purpose yards - much more than Tyler - Tyler had a modest edge on fewer carries in yards per carry - but not in all purpose yards per touch.

Partly because Marc Tyler probably played nothing more than the 1st quarter during his season.

In the political correct world we live in look for the "PLayer of the Year" award to be split between two or three players. It's just the world we live in. It's clear who meant the most to their team going away, but that's not important. It will be a split award to just make everyone happy.

Everyone who writes in this blog knows deep down it can only be Lavelle Peterson. Heck he has better numbers the Marc Tyler over at Oaks Christian.

Absolutely, Cubano... when it's all over...

Big M, the pass rush LS uses is set up that way, contain, contain, contain, he pushed Soberanis and Brooks back into the pocket and never comitted to the inside.Maybe we'll get the rest of the M-Town crew to join us for some cognac and cigars.

Cubano...

You are wrong about running away from #70... Brooks reached him twice and both were for BIG yards... so much for contain. Are you purposely ignoring his lack of effectiveness in the first half? Review the tape... if you come over now, I'll pour! Soberanis stoned his pass rush consistently. His second half was better... you were right about his sack.

Why the persistance... are you related? Do us a favor... take off your rose-colored glasses and look at #70 for what he is... a good lineman... NOT a god walking down from Olympus.

And why do you keep saying that he made sacrifices? What sacrifice? Anyone that looks at his body knows he'll be moved to the o-line when he gets to college, anyway. And when did it become a sacrifice to help your team... or start every down... or be a lineman?

Crazycube hit the bullseye, I invite you guys who watch the game from the lit up M on hill to watch the film.

Lavelle Peterson

Big M I hate to burst your bubble but Potts WAS sacked by Jimenez. Your converted TE could hardly get out of his own way. The defensive scheme La Salle runs requires his maintaining ground position and contain, which he did. The Wildcats spent the whole night running away from him, over 80% of the plays were to the opposite side of Jimenez. I wonder why??? I guess your coaching staff must have seen it different! That is making an impact.

There is no doubt about Lavelle Peterson's talent. He is by far one of the best high school running backs I have seen lately. No one can argue the important role he has played at LC. On both counts a definite candidate, all I have to say is that do not overlook the obvious and that is why I have mentioned Jimenez, his sacrifice all year for the Lancers is second to none, taking almost every snap on both sides of the ball, leading with quiet pride. The team rallies around his quiet strength and no nonsense attitude and they listen when he speaks. He has handled EVERY O and D lineman on the Division, including all the ones at Monrovia, regardless of what Mr Observantcat has to say.

Fred asked the bloggers to vote for the player that was most valuable to their team. Since that is the case I'd have to vote for #44, Darryl Carter of St. Francis. He is truly a golden knight. The kid played both ways and did it playing the entire game. He led the team with the most TDs, most sacks and was in the top ten in most of the mission league stats. Carter was defensive player of the week several times, he always had the will to win and showed it everytime he stepped on the field. If St. Francis had more players like him, who took the game seriously and gave 100% every game, they could have gone to the finals.

All valid comments (BigM, goldenknight, NY).

MLover, I'm an ex-OL so I know where you are coming from. Monrovia ran primarily on draw plays. The reach plays were successful due to the great speed of Davis and Sparks who get to the edge quicker than any backs I've seen in awhile.

That said, I haven't heard from the sour grapes guy- and yes it is a privilege to be on the line. Well, for me it was about knocking guys in the mouth not scoring.

I'm nominated #70 because I know how much he has meant to La Salle's success this year.

PS-Thanks for the vote of confidence for the Lancers.

Don't tight-ends block on run plays as well?

Peterson is player of the year, by far. Any team can replace a tackle, but if this kid didnt play la canada's chance on winning was slim to none. If peterson doesnt get player of the year then there's something wrong with that one for sure

All I know for sure is Peterson has had visits to Arizona and Washington State - perhaps Washington and Colorado. I don't think the rumor going around about about a visit this weekend from "Charlie" is true. I think he is still undecided.

Lancer Double8,
I agree with you, I don't think La Canada would have won a game without Peterson. Jimenez is important to the the LS but nowhere near as important as Peterson is to La Canada - who did make the playoffs with like only one - maybe two all league players. No one doubts that Jimenez is a great player - but there are 5 other lineman - if you count the TE (of course LC doesnt have a TE because they reun the spread offense) and there is only one single back in the spread offsense and that back ran for 3,411 all purpose yard and 30 TDs without much help from the line as anyone who saw the Duarte game can attest and the last time I checked it is touchdowns that win football games and Lavelle is a tough as anyone in that (and ours for that matter) league including any lineman. That being said I wish we had both of them.

For my money either Jimmenez who is the difference maker for L S, hands down. Without him on the line L S is a different team.

Also Peterson is the MVP of his team w/o him L C probably wouldn't have won a game. He played RB, LB and I think I saw somewhere that he punts. He's a stud!! Does anyone know who is recruiting him?

Lavelle Peterson is the Player of the Year...

What he did for La Canada football this year is almost immeasurable. Without him, the Spartans finish dead last in the Rio Hondo.

Hey John H...

How 'bout our little dinner wager... don't be a welcher...

First... I have only watched Jimenez play OT/DE last Friday... so I am hardly an expert. But...

I am an old OL... and I tend to watch the line play every down. And while I feel that #70 on La Salle is a good lineman... he is far from the Superman he is being portrayed as on this and other threads.

On offense, he's good... leave it at that. The lack of sacks against him are more a result of a good scheme (P-A pass, and 3-step drops) than superior athletic ability. And on the run... he's primarily asked to help in double-teams and pull... both of which he does well.

As far as his play on defense, the Cats ran all over the field... including TWO big runs behind Reach blocks (one-on-one) against #70 by our own converted TE, Eric Brooks (#68 when you review the tape). He also had ZERO sacks, knockdowns or hurries while being blocked by our two tackles Brooks and Jose Soberanis (La Salle flips their line to offensive strength or field position). He was handled defensively.

Like I said... I am stating this solely on his play last Friday. Maybe he had an off-night... maybe not.

And don't try to turn this post into sour grapes... as I posted earlier, La Salle deserved to win that game... and I hope they win the championship.

BTW - Playing on the o-line is a PRIVILEDGE... not a sacrifice. Any lineman will say the same... only those that know nothing of the love lineman have for football would make such a misinformed comment.

"Vote for the player you think was the most valuable to his team throughout the entire season and playoffs."
-Fred J.

That's the criteria goldenknight. This isn't the Heisman Trophy race where all that matters is yards and TDs. Yes, that is a big part of winning BUT-When I look at this Lancer team and think about where they were and where they have gotten I know for a fact Jimenez is the Keystone for that run.

No Jimenez Then Bury and Baier don't run loose on anybody. They're yardage get's cut by a 1/3 and so do their TDs. (Look at their production before LS played TC and after, that is when Jimenez was moved to tackle).

How many times was Kohorst sacked this year? I can count them with one hand. Who defends his blind side? Jimenez. Why did Kohorst have all the time in the world to pick Monrovia apart last week? La Salle isn't even a passing team. Why did Bobby Halcon get limited yardage in the second half of the Fillmore game? Jimenez was there forcing everything inside, on the other side of the ball blowing holes open for Baier to run loose.

REAL football is not about who is the fastest guy, or has the most yards or TDs-that's the stuff that gets in the papers. If you are going to win you need tough guys who are willing to do the dirty work up front. Nobody in the SGV is tougher than Jimenez.

Fred, La Salle never gave up this year and have surpassed all expectations. I know that it is tough to look past Petersen (who I feel is the frontrunner here), but where is his team? Did he lead them to 7 straight wins when the team was about to flush down the tubes? Did he take them to a semifinal game? No. I know the obvious response is LC without Petersen is probably an 0-10 team, but you have my vote and my argument none the less.

HSFan, I invite you to the Bishop Diego/LS game on friday night before you make any claims.

Jimenez is excellent but not even the best offensive lineman in the area - that goes to Josh Moore Offensive Lineman (and Defensive Lineman too) for Poly Pasadena. A 3 year starter both ways - offensive player of the year for Poly and being recruited by all the big BCS schools.

Crazycube,
The next time an offensive lineman wins the Heisman, we will consider Mr. Jimenez for MVP. But he is a great offensive lineman - I wish we had him.

Again, the Glory Birds are out. What makes a player worthy of this award? It is easy to cast the votes towards QB and RB. Lord knows we have a lot of them in this Valley: Yougblood, Broadnax, Sparks, Burry, and do not forget Peterson.
To me what makes a candidate is some one who gives it all for the betterment of the team. One who sacrifices body and soul for his team mates.
La Salle started the season rocky to say the least. The turning point on the Offense was when they moved Alex Jimenez from TE to OT. This is easier said than done. Here is a player who had spent the summer scouted by the University of Miami, USC, considered by the Los Angeles Times as one of the top 10 TE in all CIF Southern Section. Most kids in his position, would have been selfish and continued to play the Glory Spot. Alex did not do that. From the moment he started at OT, the running game went fom 147 yards per game to over 200. That is an impact player, one who ends up making the difference. When you sift it all out and get through all the hoopla of most yards, etc, it comes down to the gritty nitty of Football, who do you saddle up as your workhorse and have him pull the wagon? LS is the Dream Team of 2007 and the one who is quietly pulling the wagon into the CIF Semifinals is big #70 Alex Jimenez my vote for Player of the Year.

Agree on Collis - if he had any running backs his numbers would have been significantly better. Also agree on Roxas, Carter and Arriola. I wish we would have brought the super freshman earlier.

Also agree on Peterson - everyone else is fighting for runner up.

Ditto--Lavelle is a man-child! Well done Peterson!

Fred-
I watched the SF team closely this year and the following players should get some consideration for All-Area.

Offense- Luke Collis is without a doubt the best quarterback in the area. He is calm under pressure and an accurate passer. If the knights had a little more balance this year, his stats would have been even better. Andrew Roxas is a beast on the O-line and showed great skills all year. He was the emotional leader of the team and I don't think he let up a sack this year.

Defense- Darryl Carter showed to be an iron man this year. He played both ways against a tough schedule and showed his skills all year. He was a force on the defense line and was third in tackles on the team. If he was a few inches taller he would have been a Division I recruit. Ray Arriola was a great surprise for the Golden Knights. He lead the team in tackles and interceptions and was awarded defensive player of the week three times.

All this said, I think Lavelle Peterson deserves player of the year. He had a tremendous year on an average team.

I vote for Lavelle Peterson as well for the same reasons as High School Fan.

Player of the year - Lavelle Peterson - Hands down - 2,443 Rushing - almost 10 yards a carry - yards - 3,411 All purpose yards with a weak line with no other offensive weapons. Plus he is only 16 - can you imagine his development in college - WOW. Next question.